Wagering Method

Abstract

A method for placing a secondary wager on a comparative card game such as blackjack, baccarat or mini-baccarat; in addition to a primary wager. A winner of the secondary wager is determined based on a card total for a dealt player first card and a dealer first card or banker first card if in baccarat or mini-baccarat. The player first card and the dealer first card may be compared to identify a card total, where the combinative hand value of both first cards must equal a predetermined sum, including, without limitation, 8, or 18, or 9, or 19. The player may win or lose the secondary wager based on the card total. A payout ratio may be utilized to determine a payout or loss for the player. After the secondary wager is resolved, the game continues to determine the outcome and winning primary wager for the primary game.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present Utility patent application claims priority benefit of the [U.S. provisional application for patent Ser. No. 61/835,348 filed on Jun. 14, 2013 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The contents of this related provisional application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the extent that such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith or limiting hereof.

RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0002] Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0003] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

[0004] Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to wagering in a card game. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for placing an optional secondary wager on a secondary game, while simultaneously playing a primary game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

[0008] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that the card came of blackjack is a comparing card game between a player and dealer. The players compete against the dealer but not against any other players. Blackjack is played with one or more decks of 52 cards. The object of the game is to reach 21 points or to reach a score higher than the dealer without exceeding 21.

[0009] Typically, the players are dealt an initial two card hand and add the total of their cards. Face cards, such as, Kings, Queens, and Jacks are counted as ten points. The player and dealer can count an Ace card as 1-point or 11 points. All other cards are counted as the numeric value shown on the card. After receiving their initial two cards, players have the option of getting a "hit," which means taking an additional card, or siting with the card they already have.

[0010] Often, a wager, or gamble in cards, is an agreement under which each player pledges a certain amount to the other depending on the outcome of an unsettled matter, such as a card total. The wager can be large or small.

[0011] In many instances, blackjack wagers offer a side bet on various outcomes including: a player hand and dealer's up card sum to 19, 20, or 21; a player initial hand is a pair; a player's initial hand is suited, suited and connected; and a player's initial hand plus dealer's card makes a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind poker hand, such as 21+3.

[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary game table for a system for placing a secondary wager on a card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method for placing a secondary wager on a card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method for placing a secondary wager on a blackjack card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method for placing a secondary wager on a mini baccarat card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram depicting a conventional client/server communication system.

[0019] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0021] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0022] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

[0025] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0026] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

[0027] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0028] Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

[0029] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0030] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0031] Devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at least general communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

[0032] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

[0034] A "computer" may refer to one or more apparatus and/or one or more systems that are capable of accepting a structured input, processing the structured input according to prescribed rules, and producing results of the processing as output. Examples of a computer may include: a computer; a stationary and/or portable computer; a computer having a single processor, multiple processors, or multi-core processors, which may operate in parallel and/or not in parallel; a general purpose computer; a supercomputer; a mainframe; a super mini-computer; a mini-computer; a workstation; a micro-computer; a server; a client; an interactive television; a web appliance; a telecommunications device with internet access; a hybrid combination of a computer and an interactive television; a portable computer; a tablet personal computer (PC); a personal digital assistant (PDA); a portable telephone; application-specific hardware to emulate a computer and/or software, such as, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application specific instruction-set processor (ASIP), a chip, chips, a system on a chip, or a chip set; a data acquisition device; an optical computer; a quantum computer; a biological computer; and generally, an apparatus that may accept data, process data according to one or more stored software programs, generate results, and typically include input, output, storage, arithmetic, logic, and control units.

[0035] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that where appropriate, some embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Where appropriate, embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0036] "Software" may refer to prescribed rules to operate a computer. Examples of software may include: code segments in one or more computer-readable languages; graphical and or/textual instructions; applets; pre-compiled code; interpreted code; compiled code; and computer programs.

[0037] The example embodiments described herein can be implemented in an operating environment comprising computer-executable instructions (e.g., software) installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware. The computer-executable instructions can be written in a computer programming language or can be embodied in firmware logic. If written in a programming language conforming to a recognized standard, such instructions can be executed on a variety of hardware platforms and for interfaces to a variety of operating systems. Although not limited thereto, computer software program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more suitable programming languages, including an object oriented programming languages and/or conventional procedural programming languages, and/or programming languages such as, for example, Hyper text Markup Language (HTML), Dynamic HTML, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL), Document Style Semantics and Specification Language (DSSSL), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL), Wireless Markup Language (WML), Java®, Jini®, C, C++, Smalltalk, Perl, UNIX Shell, Visual Basic or Visual Basic Script, Virtual Reality Markup Language (VRML), ColdFusion® or other compilers, assemblers, interpreters or other computer languages or platforms.

[0038] Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0039] A network is a collection of links and nodes (e.g., multiple computers and/or other devices connected together) arranged so that information may be passed from one part of the network to another over multiple links and through various nodes. Examples of networks include the Internet, the public switched telephone network, the global Telex network, computer networks (e.g., an intranet, an extranet, a local-area network, or a wide-area network), wired networks, and wireless networks.

[0040] The Internet is a worldwide network of computers and computer networks arranged to allow the easy and robust exchange of information between computer users. Hundreds of millions of people around the world have access to computers connected to the Internet via Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Content providers (e.g., website owners or operators) place multimedia information (e.g., text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and other forms of data) at specific locations on the Internet referred to as webpages. Websites comprise a collection of connected, or otherwise related, webpages. The combination of all the websites and their corresponding webpages on the Internet is generally known as the World Wide Web (WWW) or simply the Web.

[0041] Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0042] The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0043] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0044] Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0045] It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) will receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute those instructions, thereby performing a process defined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of known media.

[0046] When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article.

[0047] The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the present invention need not include the device itself.

[0048] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0049] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying sequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, TDMA, CDMA, 3G.

[0050] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to those described may be readily employed, (ii) other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed. Any schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are exemplary arrangements for stored representations of information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by the tables shown. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary information only; those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries can be different from those illustrated herein. Further, despite any depiction of the databases as tables, an object-based model could be used to store and manipulate the data types of the present invention and likewise, object methods or behaviors can be used to implement the processes of the present invention.

[0051] A "computer system" may refer to a system having one or more computers, where each computer may include a computer-readable medium embodying software to operate the computer or one or more of its components. Examples of a computer system may include: a distributed computer system for processing information via computer systems linked by a network; two or more computer systems connected together via a network for transmitting and/or receiving information between the computer systems; a computer system including two or more processors within a single computer; and one or more apparatuses and/or one or more systems that may accept data, may process data in accordance with one or more stored software programs, may generate results, and typically may include input, output, storage, arithmetic, logic, and control units.

[0052] A "network" may refer to a number of computers and associated devices that may be connected by communication facilities. A network may involve permanent connections such as cables or temporary connections such as those made through telephone or other communication links. A network may further include hard-wired connections (e.g., coaxial cable, twisted pair, optical fiber, waveguides, etc.) and/or wireless connections (e.g., radio frequency waveforms, free-space optical waveforms, acoustic waveforms, etc.). Examples of a network may include: an internet, such as the Internet; an intranet; a local area network (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); and a combination of networks, such as an internet and an intranet.

[0053] As used herein, the "client-side" application should be broadly construed to refer to an application, a page associated with that application, or some other resource or function invoked by a client-side request to the application. A "browser" as used herein is not intended to refer to any specific browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Safari, FireFox, or the like), but should be broadly construed to refer to any client-side rendering engine that can access and display Internet-accessible resources. A "rich" client typically refers to a non-HTTP based client-side application, such as an SSH or CFIS client. Further, while typically the client-server interactions occur using HTTP, this is not a limitation either. The client server interaction may be formatted to conform to the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and travel over HTTP (over the public Internet), FTP, or any other reliable transport mechanism (such as IBM® MQSeries® technologies and CORBA, for transport over an enterprise intranet) may be used. Any application or functionality described herein may be implemented as native code, by providing hooks into another application, by facilitating use of the mechanism as a plug-in, by linking to the mechanism, and the like.

[0054] Exemplary networks may operate with any of a number of protocols, such as Internet protocol (IP), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and/or synchronous optical network (SONET), user datagram protocol (UDP), IEEE 802.x, etc.

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention may include apparatuses for performing the operations disclosed herein. An apparatus may be specially constructed for the desired purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose device selectively activated or reconfigured by a program stored in the device.

[0056] Embodiments of the invention may also be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. They may be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by a computing platform to perform the operations described herein.

[0057] More specifically, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0058] In the following description and claims, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer readable medium" may be used to generally refer to media such as, but not limited to, removable storage drives, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive, and the like. These computer program products may provide software to a computer system. Embodiments of the invention may be directed to such computer program products.

[0059] An algorithm is here, and generally, considered to be a self-consistent sequence of acts or operations leading to a desired result. These include physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

[0060] Unless specifically stated otherwise, and as may be apparent from the following description and claims, it should be appreciated that throughout the specification descriptions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computing system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computing system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0061] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computing platform" may comprise one or more processors.

[0062] Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may also include tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable storage media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, including the functional design of any special purpose processor as discussed above. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions, data structures, or processor chip design. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or combination thereof) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of the computer-readable media.

[0063] While a non-transitory computer readable medium includes, but is not limited to, a hard drive, compact disc, flash memory, volatile memory, random access memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, semiconductor based memory, phase change memory, optical memory, periodically refreshed memory, and the like; the non-transitory computer readable medium, however, does not include a pure transitory signal per se; i.e., where the medium itself is transitory.

[0064] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. There are various types of methods for placing wagers in a game that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, a wagering method provides a method for placing a secondary wager on a comparative card game, such as blackjack, baccarat or mini-baccarat, in addition to a primary wager. A winner of the secondary wager is determined based on a card total for a dealt player first card and a dealer first card. The player first card and the dealer first card may be compared to identify a card total, where the combinative hand value of both first cards must equal a predetermined sum, including, without limitation, 8, or 18, or 9, or 19. The player may win or lose the secondary wager based on the card total. A payout ratio may be utilized to determine a payout or loss for the player. After the secondary wager is resolved, the game continues to determine the outcome and winning primary wager for the primary game.

[0065] The system may perform the wager with a comparative card game. The comparative card game may include, without limitation, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and mini baccarat. The comparative card game may comprise a game between a player and a dealer. The goal of the card game requires the player to reach or approach a predetermined hand value, or card total of the cards in play in relation to the dealer (also referred as banker in baccarat or mini-baccarat0. A player may play the comparative card game to place a primary wager and a secondary wager, both in the same game. The secondary wager may be made and resolved at an early part of the card game. Afterwards, the card game may continue with the primary wager.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the system may include a game table for playing both the primary game and a secondary game. The secondary game may initially be played to resolve a secondary wager. The primary game may continue after the secondary wager is resolved, based on the same cards dealt during the secondary game. In one embodiment of the secondary game, a dealer may deal a first card to a player on the game table. The dealer may also have a dealer first card, or up card. The first card and the dealer first card may be utilized for both the primary wager and the secondary wager. In either case, additional cards may be dealt to continue the primary game. Upon acceptance of a secondary wager by the player, the player first card and the dealer first card may be utilized for the secondary wager. The player first card and the dealer first card may be segregated onto a secondary wager portion of the game table. A card total of both the player first card and the dealer first card may be utilized to determine the winner of the secondary wager. The card total may include a summation of the value of the first card and the dealer first card, or the suit equivalents for the cards. In one alternative embodiment, the wagering system may utilize a tertiary wager based on a second card dealt to the player.

[0067] In one embodiment, a predetermined card total may be utilized to determine the winner of the secondary wager. If the card total of the first card and the up card is 8, 18, 9, or 19, the player may win the secondary wager. In some embodiments, a payout may be determined based on the card total. The player may receive a payout of approximately 4 to 1 if the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. The player may receive a payout of approximately 6 to 1 if the first card and the up card are of the same suit and the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. Those skilled in the art will recognize that as the odds decrease, the payout increases. In some embodiments, the player may receive a payout of approximately 8 to 1 if the first card and the up card are of the same suit, including a Jack, a Queen, a King, and also have a card total of 18 or 19. For example, without limitation, 8 of Hearts with Jack of Hearts, or 9 of Spades with Queen of Spades. In some embodiments, the player may receive a payout of approximately 25 to 1 if the first card and the up card are of the same suit, including an Ace, and also have a card total of 8, 18, 9, or 19. For example, without limitation, 7 of Hearts with Ace of Hearts, or 8 of Spades with Ace of Spades. Conversely, if the card total does not equal 8, 18, 9, or 19, the player loses the secondary wager and the dealer collects a secondary wager amount.

[0068] In one embodiment, after the secondary wager is resolved, the dealer may continue by dealing a player second card and a dealer second card. The primary game may then commence based on the rules of the comparative card game. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the secondary wager may not take too much time, or distract from the primary wager. In some embodiments, the primary wager is not linked to the secondary wager. Each wager may be separate, with only the first cards being utilized for both games. In one embodiment, the present invention may be played interactively or remotely through a processor or communication device.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for placing a secondary wager on a card game may include steps for playing and wagering a comparative card game and placing both a primary wager and a secondary wager on the card game. A first Step may include providing equipment for the card game. The playing equipment may include, without limitation, a game table, at least one standard deck of playing cards, cash, gaming chips, and/or credits. The game table may be configured to allow a dealer to deal to a plurality of players. Each player may face the dealer on the game table. The game table may include a primary card area for receiving and consolidating the cards for the primary game. Additionally, the game table may include a primary wagering area for performing the wagering functions. The game table may further include a secondary card area for receiving and consolidating the player first card and the dealer first card, which are determinative of the secondary wager. The game table may further include a secondary wagering area for performing the wagering functions of the secondary wager.

[0070] A next Step may include each player placing a primary wager on the primary wagering area to participate in the primary game. The primary game may include, without limitation, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and a comparative card game. The method may include an additional Step of each player placing an optional secondary wager on the secondary wagering area to participate in the secondary wager of the secondary game. The secondary wager may include, without limitation, poker chips, cash, a check, and an object. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the primary wager may be larger than the secondary wager, though this is not a requirement. A next Step may comprise the dealer dealing each player a player first card and the dealer receiving a dealer first card, or up-card. The first cards may be utilized for both the secondary wager, and the subsequent primary wager.

[0071] A significant next Step, involves the dealer resolving each player's secondary game secondary wager based on the card total of the first card and the dealer first card. The payout may include paying a player's winning side wager approximately 4 to 1 if the card total for the first cards equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. The payout may further include, paying the player's winning side wager approximately 6 to 1 if the two first cards are of the same suit and the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19.

[0072] A next Step may include the dealer dealing each player a player second card and the dealer receiving a dealer second card, or hole card. The primary game may then continue, still using the first cards from the secondary game. A final Step may comprise resolving the primary wagers according to the primary game results.

[0073] In yet another embodiment, an additional side wager may be utilized in conjunction with, or in lieu of the secondary wage. Similar to the secondary wager, the additional side wager may take into account the card total of both the player first card and the dealer first card to determine the winner of the side wager. The card total may include a summation of the value of the first card and the dealer first card, or the suit equivalents for the cards. In one embodiment that may be named "Natural Combination 8", if the card total of the first card and the up card is 8 or 18, the player may win the side wager. Another version of the side wager may be named "Natural Combination 9", whereby if the card total of the first card and the up card is 9 or 19, the player may win the side wager. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the payouts will be higher for the side wagers since the odds of the card total being 8/18 or 9/19 is less. In some embodiments, the side wager may comprise different card total numbers and different names.

[0074] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary game table for a system for placing a secondary wager on a card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a method for placing a secondary wager on a comparative card game, such as blackjack, baccarat or mini-baccarat, in addition to a primary wager. A winner of the secondary wager is determined based on a card total for a dealt player first card and a dealer first card. The player first card and the dealer first card may be compared to identify a card total, where the combinative hand value of both first cards must equal a predetermined sum, including, without limitation, 8, or 18, or 9, or 19. The player may win or lose the secondary wager based on the card total. A payout ratio may be utilized to determine a payout or loss for the player. After the secondary wager is resolved, the game continues to determine the outcome and winning primary wager for the primary game.

[0075] The system may perform the wager with a comparative card game. The comparative card game may include, without limitation, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and a comparative game. The comparative card game may comprise a game between a player and a dealer (known as a banker in baccarat or mini-baccarat). The goal of the card game requires the player to reach or approach a predetermined hand value, or card total of the cards in play in relation to the dealer. A player may play the comparative card game to place a primary wager and a secondary wager, both in the same game. The secondary wager may be made and resolved at an early part of the card game. Afterwards, the card game may continue with the primary wager.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, the card game may commence on a game table 100. The game table may include a poker table, sized and dimensioned to display cards to a dealer and a plurality of players. In some embodiments, the game table may be covered with baize, felt, or speed cloth, for facilitating the sliding of cards on the game table surface. The game table may include an actual table or a fold-out tabletop surface. In one embodiment, a dealer may position on a flat edge of the game table, facing a plurality of players on a semicircular periphery of the game table. The game table may include sufficient spaces and for playing and wagering on a primary game and a secondary game.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the secondary game may initially be played to resolve a secondary wager. The primary game continues after the secondary wager is resolved, based on the same first cards dealt during the secondary game. In one embodiment of the secondary game, a dealer may deal a player first card to each player on the game table from a dealer card area 102. The dealer may also have a dealer first card, or up card, which is visible to all the players. The player first card and the dealer first card may be utilized for both the primary wager and the secondary wager. In either case, additional cards may be dealt to continue the primary card game.

[0078] In one embodiment, upon acceptance of a secondary wager by the player, the player first card and the dealer first card may be utilized for a secondary wager. The player first card and the dealer first card may be segregated onto a secondary wager portion of the game table. For example, a secondary card area 108 may provide a space to segregate the player first card from additional cards, and to clarify that the card is being utilized for the secondary wager. A card total of both the player first card and the dealer first card may be utilized to determine the winner of the secondary wager. The card total may include a summation of the value of the first card and the up card, or the suit equivalents for the cards.

[0079] In one embodiment, a predetermined card total may be utilized to determine the winner of the secondary wager. For example, without limitation, if the card total of the first card and the up card is 8, 18, 9, or 19, the player may win the secondary wager. In some embodiments, a payout may be determined based on the card total. The player may receive a payout of approximately 4 to 1 if the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. The player may receive a payout of approximately 6 to 1 if the first card and the dealer (known as a banker in baccarat or mini-baccarat) first card are of the same suit and the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. It is significant to note that a card total of 8, 18, 9, or 19 constitute the Natural 8 or Natural 9, respectively. This is the essence of the Natural Baccarat, given the first two cards.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will recognize that as the odds decrease, the payout increases. The player may receive a payout of approximately 8 to 1 if the player first card and the dealer first card are of the same suit, including a Jack, a Queen, a King, and also have a card total of 18 or 19. For example, without limitation, 8 of Hearts with Jack of Hearts, or 9 of Spades with Queen of Spades. In some embodiments, the player may receive a payout of approximately 25 to 1 if the player first card and the dealer first card are of the same suit, including an Ace, and also have a card total of 8, 18, 9, or 19. For example, without limitation, 7 of Hearts with Ace of Hearts, or 8 of Spades with Ace of Spades. Conversely, if the card total does not equal 8, 18, 9, or 19, the player loses the secondary wager and the dealer collects the secondary wager amount. In one alternative embodiment, the playing cards may only include numbers, but not have any suits in the deck. For example, without limitation, no Aces, Kings, Queens, or Jacks.

[0081] In one embodiment, after the secondary wager is resolved, the dealer may continue by dealing a player second card and a dealer second card into a secondary card area 108. The primary game may then commence in a primary wagering area 106, based on the rules of the comparative card game. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the secondary wager may not take too much time, or distract from the primary wager. In some embodiments, the primary wager is not linked to the secondary wager. Each wager may be separate.

[0082] In one embodiment, the present invention may be played interactively or remotely through a processor. For example, without limitation, a player may play the card game online through the use of the internet, on a smart phone, through live relay video, and through a video game. However, in other embodiments, the card game may be played by a plurality of players located in different regions.

[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method for placing a secondary wager on a card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a method 200 for placing a secondary wager on a card game may include a first Step 202 of providing equipment for a comparative card game. The playing equipment may include, without limitation, a game table, at least one standard deck of playing cards, cash, gaming chips, and credits. The game table may be configured to allow a dealer to deal with a plurality of players. Each player may face the dealer on the game table. The game table may include a primary card area for receiving and consolidating the cards for the primary game. Additionally, a primary wagering area for performing the wagering functions. The game table may further include a secondary card area for receiving and consolidating the player first card and the dealer first card, which are determinative of the secondary wager. The game table may further include a secondary wagering area for performing the wagering functions of the secondary wager.

[0084] A next Step 204 may include each player placing a primary wager on a primary game. The primary wager may be placed on the primary wagering area of the game table. The primary game may include, without limitation, blackjack, poker, baccarat, mini baccarat, and a comparative game.

[0085] The method may include an additional Step 206 of each player placing an optional secondary wager on the secondary game. The secondary wager may be placed on the secondary wagering area of the game table. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the primary wager may be larger than the secondary wager, though this is not a requirement.

[0086] A next Step 208 may comprise the dealer dealing each player a player first card and the dealer receiving a dealer first card, or up-card. The first cards may be utilized for both the secondary wager, and the subsequent primary wager.

[0087] A significant Step 210 may involve the dealer resolving each player's secondary wager based on the card total of the first card and the dealer first card. The payout may include paying a player's winning side wager approximately 4 to 1 if the card total for the first cards equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. The payout may further include, paying the player's winning side wager approximately 6 to 1 if the two first cards are of the same suit and the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. For example, without limitation, if the card total of the first card and the up card is 8, 18, 9, or 19, the player may win the secondary wager. In some embodiments, a payout may be determined based on the card total. The player may receive a payout of approximately 4 to 1 if the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. The player may receive a payout of approximately 6 to 1 if the first card and the dealer first card are of the same suit and the card total equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. However, in additional embodiments, different permutations or combinations of first cards may be utilized to determine the winner. For example, without limitation, the higher or lower card; the card total of 10 or 20; and utilizing an incomplete deck of cards.

[0088] Those skilled in the art will recognize that as the odds decrease, the payout increases. The player may receive a payout of approximately 8 to 1 if the player first card and the dealer first card are of the same suit, including a Jack, a Queen, a King, and also have a card total of 18 or 19. For example, without limitation, 8 of Hearts with Jack of Hearts, or 9 of Spades with Queen of Spades. In some embodiments, the player may receive a payout of approximately 25 to 1 if the player first card and the dealer first card are of the same suit, including an Ace, and also have a card total of 8, 18, 9, or 19. For example, without limitation, 7 of Hearts with Ace of Hearts, or 8 of Spades with Ace of Spades. Conversely, if the card total does not equal 8, 18, 9, or 19, the player loses the secondary wager and the dealer collects the secondary wager amount.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, an additional side wager may be utilized in conjunction with, or in lieu of the secondary wage. In one embodiment, the side wager may be named, without limitation, "Natural Combination", "Natural Combination 8", and "Natural Combination 9", "Lucky Natural", or "Lucky Combination". Similar to the secondary wager, the additional side wager may take into account the card total of both the player first card and the dealer first card to determine the winner of the side wager. The card total for the side wager may include a summation of the value of the first card and the dealer first card, or the suit equivalents for the cards. In one embodiment named "Natural Combination 8", if the card total of the first card and the up card is 8 or 18, the player may win the side wager. Another version of the side wager may be named "Natural Combination 9", whereby if the card total of the first card and the up card is 9 or 19, the player may win the side wager. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the payouts will be higher for the side wagers since the odds of the card total being 8, 18, 9, or 19 is less. In some embodiments, the side wager may comprise different card total numbers and different names.

[0090] A next Step 212 may include the dealer dealing each player a player second card and the dealer receiving a dealer second card, or hole card. The primary game may then continue, still using the first cards from the secondary game. A next Step 214 may include playing the primary game, such as blackjack or mini baccarat. The primary game is played to its conclusion to determine the winner. A final Step 216 may comprise resolving the primary wager according to the outcome of the primary game. The card game may then be repeated with or without the secondary wager or the side wager.

[0091] In one alternative embodiment, the primary wager may be cancelled by the first player if the loss from the secondary wager exceeded a predetermined threshold. In yet another alternative embodiment, the card total for determining the secondary wager winner is the total of 10 or 20. In yet another alternative embodiment, the higher or lower first card wins the secondary wager. In yet another alternative embodiment, the primary wager may be doubled in lieu of paying a loss for the secondary wager--double or nothing.

[0092] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method for placing a secondary wager on a blackjack card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a method 300 for placing a secondary wager on a blackjack card game

[0093] An initial Step 302 may include providing one or more standard decks of playing card, cash, gaming chips, and/or credits; providing each player with a main wagering area for the primary game of blackjack, and at least one side wagering area for the side bet of the secondary game which is based on the total of the player hand's first card and the dealer hand's first card;

[0094] The method may then comprise an additional Step 304 of each player placing a primary wager on their primary wagering area to participate in the primary blackjack game. A next Step 306 may comprise each player placing an optional side wager on their side wagering areas to participate in the side bet of the secondary game. A Step 308 comprises the dealer dealing the player hand's first card and the dealer hand's first card.

[0095] In a Step 310, the dealer resolves each player's secondary game side wager based on the card total of the player hand's first card and the dealer hand's first card. The method may then allow for paying the winning side wagers according to predetermined payout odds. Those skilled in the art will recognize that combinations with lesser odds may have greater payouts. If a total card of the first cards equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. A Step 312 may comprise paying the winning wager. If the card of the first cards does not equal 8, 18, 9, or 19, a Step 314 comprises taking the losing side wager bets.

[0096] A Step 316 may include the dealer dealing the player hand's second card and the dealer hand's second card and then continuing on with the primary game of blackjack. A Step 318 may include resuming the blackjack card game to its conclusion to determine the outcome for the primary wager. A final Step 320 may comprise resolving the main wagers according to the blackjack card game results. The payout is based on predetermined odds.

[0097] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram for a method for placing a secondary wager on a Mini Baccarat card game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a method 400 for placing a secondary wager on a Mini Baccarat card game

[0098] An initial Step 402 may include providing one or more standard decks of playing card, cash, gaming chips, and/or credits. The game table may provide each player with a main wagering area for the primary game of Mini Baccarat, and at least one secondary wagering area for the secondary wager of the secondary game, which is based on the total of the player hand's first card and the banker hand's first card.

[0099] The method may then comprise an additional Step 404 of each player placing a main wager on their primary wagering area to participate in the primary Mini Baccarat game. A next Step 406 may comprise each player placing an optional secondary wager on their secondary wagering areas to participate in the side bet of the secondary game. A Step 408 comprises the dealer dealing the player hand's first card and the banker hand's first card.

[0100] In a Step 410, the dealer resolves each player's secondary wager based on the card total of the player hand's first card and the banker hand's first card. The method may then allow for paying the winning side wagers according to predetermined payout odds. Those skilled in the art will recognize that combinations with lesser odds may have greater payouts. If a total card of the first cards equals 8, 18, 9, or 19. A Step 412 may comprise paying the winning wager. If the card of the first cards does not equal 8, 18, 9, or 19, a Step 414 comprises taking the losing side wager bets.

[0101] A Step 416 may include the dealer dealing the player hand's second card and the banker hand's second card and then continuing on with the primary Mini Baccarat game. A Step 418 may include resuming the primary Mini Baccarat game to its conclusion to determine the outcome for the primary wager. A final Step 420 may comprise resolving the main wagers according to the primary Mini Baccarat game results. The payout is based on predetermined odds.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary client/server system which may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, a communication system 500 includes a multiplicity of clients with a sampling of clients denoted as a client 502 and a client 504, a multiplicity of local networks with a sampling of networks denoted as a local network 506 and a local network 508, a global network 510 and a multiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a server 512 and a server 514.

[0103] Client 502 may communicate bi-directionally with local network 506 via a communication channel 516. Client 504 may communicate bi-directionally with local network 508 via a communication channel 518. Local network 506 may communicate bi-directionally with global network 510 via a communication channel 520. Local network 508 may communicate bi-directionally with global network 510 via a communication channel 522. Global network 510 may communicate bi-directionally with server 512 and server 514 via a communication channel 524. Server 512 and server 514 may communicate bi-directionally with each other via communication channel 524. Furthermore, clients 502, 504, local networks 506, 508, global network 510 and servers 512, 514 may each communicate bi-directionally with each other.

[0104] In one embodiment, global network 510 may operate as the Internet. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that communication system 500 may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of forms for communication system 500 include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired telephone networks, wireless networks, or any other network supporting data communication between respective entities.

[0105] Clients 502 and 504 may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of clients 502 and 504 include personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones and smartphones.

[0106] Client 502 includes a CPU 526, a pointing device 528, a keyboard 530, a microphone 532, a printer 534, a memory 536, a mass memory storage 538, a GUI 540, a video camera 542, an input/output interface 544 and a network interface 546.

[0107] CPU 526, pointing device 528, keyboard 530, microphone 532, printer 534, memory 536, mass memory storage 538, GUI 540, video camera 542, input/output interface 544 and network interface 546 may communicate in a unidirectional manner or a bi-directional manner with each other via a communication channel 548. Communication channel 548 may be configured as a single communication channel or a multiplicity of communication channels.

[0108] CPU 526 may be comprised of a single processor or multiple processors. CPU 526 may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g., with embedded RAM/ROM) and microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC based, or CPLDs and FPGAs) and devices not capable of being programmed such as gate array ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors.

[0109] As is well known in the art, memory 536 is used typically to transfer data and instructions to CPU 526 in a bi-directional manner. Memory 536, as discussed previously, may include any suitable computer-readable media, intended for data storage, such as those described above excluding any wired or wireless transmissions unless specifically noted. Mass memory storage 538 may also be coupled bi-directionally to CPU 526 and provides additional data storage capacity and may include any of the computer-readable media described above. Mass memory storage 538 may be used to store programs, data and the like and is typically a secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will be appreciated that the information retained within mass memory storage 538, may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard fashion as part of memory 536 as virtual memory.

[0110] CPU 526 may be coupled to GUI 540. GUI 540 enables a user to view the operation of computer operating system and software. CPU 526 may be coupled to pointing device 528. Non-limiting examples of pointing device 528 include computer mouse, trackball and touchpad. Pointing device 528 enables a user with the capability to maneuver a computer cursor about the viewing area of GUI 540 and select areas or features in the viewing area of GUI 540. CPU 526 may be coupled to keyboard 530. Keyboard 530 enables a user with the capability to input alphanumeric textual information to CPU 526. CPU 526 may be coupled to microphone 532. Microphone 532 enables audio produced by a user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU 526. CPU 526 may be connected to printer 534. Printer 534 enables a user with the capability to print information to a sheet of paper. CPU 526 may be connected to video camera 542. Video camera 542 enables video produced or captured by user to be recorded, processed and communicated by CPU 526.

[0111] CPU 526 may also be coupled to input/output interface 544 that connects to one or more input/output devices such as such as CD-ROM, video monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, of course, other computers.

[0112] Finally, CPU 526 optionally may be coupled to network interface 546 which enables communication with an external device such as a database or a computer or telecommunications or internet network using an external connection shown generally as communication channel 516, which may be implemented as a hardwired or wireless communications link using suitable conventional technologies. With such a connection, CPU 526 might receive information from the network, or might output information to a network in the course of performing the method steps described in the teachings of the present invention.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application, and that the systems of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any of a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and is not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode and the like. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied.

[0114] It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that at least a portion of the novel method steps and/or system components of the present invention may be practiced and/or located in location(s) possibly outside the jurisdiction of the United States of America (USA), whereby it will be accordingly readily recognized that at least a subset of the novel method steps and/or system components in the foregoing embodiments must be practiced within the jurisdiction of the USA for the benefit of an entity therein or to achieve an object of the present invention. Thus, some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be configured to comprise a smaller subset of the foregoing means for and/or steps described that the applications designer will selectively decide, depending upon the practical considerations of the particular implementation, to carry out and/or locate within the jurisdiction of the USA. For example, any of the foregoing described method steps and/or system components which may be performed remotely over a network (e.g., without limitation, a remotely located server) may be performed and/or located outside of the jurisdiction of the USA while the remaining method steps and/or system components (e.g., without limitation, a locally located client) of the forgoing embodiments are typically required to be located/performed in the USA for practical considerations. In client-server architectures, a remotely located server typically generates and transmits required information to a US based client, for use according to the teachings of the present invention. Depending upon the needs of the particular application, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, which aspects of the present invention can or should be located locally and which can or should be located remotely. Thus, for any claims construction of the following claim limitations that are construed under 35 USC §112 (6) it is intended that the corresponding means for and/or steps for carrying out the claimed function are the ones that are locally implemented within the jurisdiction of the USA, while the remaining aspect(s) performed or located remotely outside the USA are not intended to be construed under 35 USC §112 (6). In some embodiments, the methods and/or system components which may be located and/or performed remotely include, without limitation:

[0115] It is noted that according to USA law, all claims must be set forth as a coherent, cooperating set of limitations that work in functional combination to achieve a useful result as a whole. Accordingly, for any claim having functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) where the embodiment in question is implemented as a client-server system with a remote server located outside of the USA, each such recited function is intended to mean the function of combining, in a logical manner, the information of that claim limitation with at least one other limitation of the claim. For example, in client-server systems where certain information claimed under 35 USC §112 (6) is/(are) dependent on one or more remote servers located outside the USA, it is intended that each such recited function under 35 USC §112 (6) is to be interpreted as the function of the local system receiving the remotely generated information required by a locally implemented claim limitation, wherein the structures and or steps which enable, and breathe life into the expression of such functions claimed under 35 USC §112 (6) are the corresponding steps and/or means located within the jurisdiction of the USA that receive and deliver that information to the client (e.g., without limitation, client-side processing and transmission networks in the USA). When this application is prosecuted or patented under a jurisdiction other than the USA, then "USA" in the foregoing should be replaced with the pertinent country or countries or legal organization(s) having enforceable patent infringement jurisdiction over the present application, and "35 USC §112 (6)" should be replaced with the closest corresponding statute in the patent laws of such pertinent country or countries or legal organization(s).

[0116] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0117] It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC § 112 (1), all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the present patent specification, and any material known to those skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35 USC §112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) must be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching prior art under the broadest interpretation of a "mean for" claim limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6) functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest interpretation of "mean for" claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching, Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material herein by reference for the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest interpretation search of 35 USC §112 (6) limitation, which exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any 3^rd parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later amend the present application to explicitly include citations to such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference above.

[0118] Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC §112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure, and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC §112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC §112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior documents to incorporated by reference in the instant application.

[0119] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a secondary wager card game while playing a primary card game according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the secondary wager card game while playing a primary card game may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the secondary wager card game while playing a primary card game described in the foregoing were principally directed to a method of playing a casino Blackjack card game including a secondary wager based on the card total of a player's first card and the dealer's first card implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to any game that utilizes comparative functions, which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

[0120] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

[0121] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

[0122] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A method comprising: providing equipment for a comparative card game; placing a primary wager on a primary game; placing a secondary wager on a secondary game; dealing a player first card and a dealer first card; resolving said secondary wager with a predetermined payout, an outcome of said secondary wager dependant on a predetermined card total from said player first card and said dealer first card; dealing a player second card and a dealer second card; playing said primary game; and resolving said primary wager.

2. The system of claim 1, in which said equipment comprises a deck of cards, a game table, a plurality of gaming chips, cash, and credits.

3. The system of claim 2, in which said game table comprises a primary wagering area for placing said primary wager, and a secondary wagering area for placing said secondary wager.

4. The system of claim 3, in which said primary game comprises blackjack, or poker, or baccarat, or mini baccarat.

5. The system of claim 4, in which a dealer distributes said player first card and said dealer first card to said primary waging area.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said secondary wager is optional.

7. The system of claim 6, in which said secondary wager is based on a card total of said first card and said dealer first card.

8. The system of claim 7, in which said secondary wager is won if said card total equals 8, or 18, or 9, or 19.

9. The system of claim 8, in which said secondary wager is lost if said card total does not equal 8, or 18, or 9, or 19.

10. The system of claim 9, in which said predetermined payout comprises a 4 to 1 payout to a winner.

11. The system of claim 10, in which said secondary wager comprises a name of Lucky Natural Combination, and/or Natural Combination 8, and/or Natural Combination 9, and/or Lucky Natural, and/or Lucky Combination.

12. The system of claim 11, in which said Lucky Natural Combination comprises a winning wager if said card total of said player first card and said dealer first card comprises 8, or 18, or 9, or 19.

13. The system of claim 12, in which said Natural Combination 8 comprises a winning wager if said card total of said player first card and said dealer first card comprises 8 or 18.

14. The system of claim 13, in which said Natural Combination 9 comprises a winning wager if said card total of said player first card and said dealer first card comprises 9 or 19.

15. The system of claim 14, in which said secondary wager for a mini baccarat card game comprises Dragon Bet and/or Panda Bet.

16. The system of claim 15, in which said player first card and said dealer first card contribute to said primary game and said secondary game.

17. The system of claim 16, in which said primary wager cancels if a loss from said secondary wager exceeds a predetermined threshold.

18. The system of claim 17, in which said primary wager is doubled if said secondary wager exceeds said predetermined threshold.

19. A method comprising: providing equipment for a blackjack card game; placing a primary wager on a primary wagering area for said blackjack card game; placing a secondary wager on a secondary wagering area for a secondary game; dealing a player first card and a dealer first card; resolving said secondary wager with a predetermined payout; dealing a player second card and a dealer second card; resuming said blackjack card game; and resolving said primary wager.

20. A method comprising: providing equipment for a mini baccarat card game; placing a primary wager on a primary wagering area for said mini baccarat card game; placing a secondary wager on a secondary wagering area for a secondary game; dealing a player first card and a banker first card; resolving said secondary wager with a predetermined payout; dealing a player second card and a banker second card; resuming said mini baccarat card game; and resolving said primary wager.

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